Emily Harrington is a professional rock climber, alpinist, and adventurer known for pushing the boundaries of what's possible in the vertical world. A five-time American sport climbing champion and member of The North Face athlete team, Emily has established herself as one of the most accomplished and versatile climbers of her generation, with landmark ascents on big walls and high-altitude peaks around the world.

For Emily, climbing is as much about the journey and the people as it is about the summit. Whether projecting the hardest multi-pitch routes in Mexico or commentating a live Netflix broadcast of Alex Honnold free soloing Taipei 101, she brings the same curiosity, grit, and openness to every experience.

- Emily recently served as a commentator for Netflix's "Skyscraper Live", in which Alex Honnold free soloed Taipei 101. The experience offered a behind-the-scenes look at the complexity of live television production — coordinating hundreds of crew members while capturing one of climbing's most audacious feats in real time.

- On a recent trip to Mexico, Emily attempted "La Sombra del Chamán," widely considered the hardest multi-pitch route in the country. The climb tested her relationship with fear and exposure on big walls and led to a deeply personal decision to step back from her own send attempt to support her climbing partner, Matt Segal.

- After a busy stretch of travel and high-output experiences, Emily reflects honestly on nervous system overload and the quiet loss of motivation that can follow — and what it looks like to reset, recalibrate, and find joy in climbing again, as she's currently doing on a low-key rock climbing trip in Italy with minimal gear and zero performance pressure.

To learn more about Emily Harrington, follow her on Instagram @emilyaharrington. Her new documentary Girl Climber follows her career-defining attempt to free climb El Capitan in under 24 hours — becoming the first woman to free climb the 36-pitch Golden Gate route in a day, a feat previously accomplished only by male climbers like Alex Honnold and Tommy Caldwell. Watch Girl Climber now on Prime Video or stream it at jolt.film/watch/girlclimber.

Follow our podcast on Instagram @duffelshufflepodcast where you can learn more about us and our guests. Visit our website at www.duffelshufflepodcast.com and join our mailing list. The Duffel Shuffle Podcast is supported by Alpenglow Expeditions, an internationally renowned mountain guide service based in Lake Tahoe, California. Visit www.alpenglowexpeditions.com or follow @alpenglowexpeditions on Instagram to learn more.

David Goettler has been a professional alpinist for nearly 3 decades, and part of The North Face athlete team his entire career. With a focus on classical alpine style climbing on the highest peaks of the world, David has set out on a quest to climb in the way that suits him. 

For David, climbing the tallest peaks of the world is a dream, and the challenge is in their height. Climbing without supplemental oxygen and Sherpa support above basecamp is the only way for him to truly test his abilities. 

- David has successfully summited seven 8,000m peaks without supplemental oxygen, many of which required multiple attempts. On his fifth attempt of Nanga Parbat in Pakistan in 2025, David summited via the Schell Route and descended by Paraglider from 7,700m on the mountain. 

- David has gone on expeditions with countless partners, and the list includes some of the most notable alpinists in the last 3 decades. For David, finding the right partners for his objectives is almost as calculated as the climb itself. 

- While David believes that all professional alpinists should be climbing without supplemental oxygen and sherpa support, he recognizes that for non-professionals, just being in the mountains is what's important, and style should be chosen based on what each individual is seeking. 

To learn more about David Goettler, follow him on Instagram @david_goettler.

Follow our podcast on Instagram @duffelshufflepodcast where you can learn more about us and our guests. Visit our website at www.duffelshufflepodcast.com and join our mailing list. The Duffel Shuffle Podcast is supported by Alpenglow Expeditions, an internationally renowned mountain guide service based in Lake Tahoe, California. Visit www.alpenglowexpeditions.com or follow @alpenglowexpeditions on Instagram to learn more.

Still technically only a "few" weeks late, Sam and Adrian look back on 2025 and forward to 2026. This episode was delayed due to the Seven Summits series, but as we move into the new year, there's lots to talk about, from personal experiences in 2025 and goals for 2026 to the industry as a whole. 

- Adrian had a big year, with his 10th summit of Everest and the acquisition of Alpenglow Expeditions by Milky Way Park. Meanwhile, Sam started and finished his year on separate ski trips to Japan, but the highlight of the year was his growing family. 

- From expected films to impacts of tariffs, 2026 is sure to bring lots of interesting twists and turns. Andrzej Bargiel and Jim Morrison both broke the ceiling of 8,000m peak ski mountaineering, and expected films are potentially coming in 2026. On the other end of the industry, the ski industry may continue to see the direct effects of tariffs and other economic impacts. 

As we look forward to 2026, we want to thank our listeners for their continued support and encourage you to share feedback. Comment or message us what you like and what you don't like. Guest and topic ideas are always welcome!

Follow our podcast on Instagram @duffelshufflepodcast, where you can learn more about our guests and us. Visit our website at www.duffelshufflepodcast.com and join our mailing list. The Duffel Shuffle Podcast is supported by Alpenglow Expeditions, an internationally renowned mountain guide service based in Lake Tahoe, California. Visit www.alpenglowexpeditions.com or follow @alpenglowexpeditions on Instagram to learn more.

Sam and Adrian wrap up the Seven Summits Series with none other than Mt. Everest. At 29,032' above sea level, Mt Everest is much taller than any of the other seven summits, and its history, notoriety and reputation speaks for itself.

While Everest has been well covered on the Duffel Shuffle Podcast, Sam and Adrian endeavor to provide an unbiased look at climbing the mountain, and compare the two regular climbing routes for guided climbers, with as little opinion as possible.

- Different "requirements" for prior experience exist on either side of the mountain, and many operators have their own prerequisites, but in general experience up to 7,000m is important. In theory, this experience and more can be gathered through climbing the other six of the seven summits.

- There are pros and cons to each side of the mountain, but the most important thing when considering an Everest Expedition is understanding what your getting from your operator. Budget and Guiding do not go hand in hand.

- While there are differences between sides in weather, infrastructure, rescue, technicality, access, etc. the each have reasonable pros and cons.

Interested in climbing Mt Everest with Alpenglow Expeditions, visit https://alpenglowexpeditions.com/expedition/mount-everest-north-side-rapid-ascent-expedition to learn more.

Follow our podcast on Instagram @duffelshufflepodcast where you can learn more about our guests and us. Visit our website at www.duffelshufflepodcast.com and join our mailing list. The Duffel Shuffle Podcast is supported by Alpenglow Expeditions, an internationally renowned mountain guide service based in Lake Tahoe, California. Visit www.alpenglowexpeditions.com or follow @alpenglowexpeditions on Instagram to learn more.

The sixth in our series on the Seven Summits, Carstensz Pyramid, is the tallest peak within Oceania. While some Seven Summits lists include Mount Kosciuszko in Australia, most modern lists acknowledge Carstensz Pyramid due to its higher altitude and increased technical challenge. Locally known as Puncak Jaya, the peak sits at 4,884m or 16,024 feet above sea level, on the island of New Guinea.

Unlike all other peaks on the list of seven summits, Carstensz Pyramid is a true rock climb, where climbers ascend a limestone ridgeline with both vertical walls and exposed traverses.

- Much of the climb has been fixed with ropes, including a span that now has a cable bridge, to accommodate the number of climbers looking to climb the mountain and prevent issues of overcrowding.

- Due to its relatively low altitude, as compared to its counterparts, climbing Carstensz is generally quite quick, and much of the true adventure lies in the many-day trek through the jungle to reach the base of the peak.

- Unfortunately, with a long history of unrest in the jungle, it has become standard to heli into basecamp for your climb. With ethnic tribal conflicts and civil disturbances, it's no longer feasible to trek through the jungle.

Follow our podcast on Instagram @duffelshufflepodcast where you can learn more about our guests and us. Visit our website at www.duffelshufflepodcast.com and join our mailing list. The Duffel Shuffle Podcast is supported by Alpenglow Expeditions, an internationally renowned mountain guide service based in Lake Tahoe, California. Visit www.alpenglowexpeditions.com or follow @alpenglowexpeditions on Instagram to learn more.

On Episode 45 of the Duffel Shuffle Podcast, Sam and Adrian head to the bottom of the world to discuss the Vinson Massif. This is the fifth episode in the series covering each of the Seven Summits, and while Vinson lacks some of the culture of previous mountains discussed, it makes up for that in the uniqueness of the adventure.

First climbed in 1966, Vinson is known by Seven Summit climbers as "The Last Great Challenge" as it was the final peak climbed by the first to complete the seven tallest summits on each continent. While not particularly challenging, Vinson is notable for its logistical complexity as well as extreme temperatures.

- Due to its relatively low altitude of 4,892m (16,050'), Vinson expeditions can theoretically be completed in a matter of days. That said, most expeditions last 2-3 weeks to allow for the logistics to fall into place, which can be severely delayed by weather and other factors.

- All Vinson logistics are managed by Antarctic Logistics and Expeditions (ALE), whose strict risk management practices have led to an incredibly high safety and success rate.

- A Vinson expedition requires a high level of mountain independence, primarily to manage the challenges of cold. As such, it's a great peak to follow Everest or Denali, and can also be easily combined with climbing Aconcagua.

Follow our podcast on Instagram @duffelshufflepodcast where you can learn more about our guests and us. Visit our website at www.duffelshufflepodcast.com and join our mailing list. The Duffel Shuffle Podcast is supported by Alpenglow Expeditions, an internationally renowned mountain guide service based in Lake Tahoe, California. Visit www.alpenglowexpeditions.com or follow @alpenglowexpeditions on Instagram to learn more.

Our next episode in the Seven Summits series takes us to Africa, and we're talking about Mount Kilimanjaro. What is arguably the most culturally enriching experience of all of the Seven Summits, Kili is the most accessible of the tallest peaks on each continent.

Sam and Adrian chat about Kilimanjaro and all of the ins and outs. While Kili's technical challenge is nonexistent, the specifics around how the mountain is climbed are quite particular.

- All climbers on Kilimanjaro must climb with a local operator. This mandates that climbers support the local economy by hiring a fixed number of support staff.

- While Kilimanjaro does have a rainy season in the spring, and a shorter period of rain in the fall, it can be climbed virtually year-round. That, combined with the lack of technical challenge, means that Kilimanjaro is far from a wilderness experience as we know it, and hundreds of climbers, guides, porters, and cooks will be on the mountain with you.

- Climbing Kilimanjaro is still a feat and an incredible experience in itself, but if you go all the way to Africa and skip the Safari, you're just crazy. Adding a 3-5 day Safari is an incredible way to culminate your climbing trip. And if you're looking for even more, head on to Zanzibar!

Follow our podcast on Instagram @duffelshufflepodcast where you can learn more about us and our guests. Visit our website at www.duffelshufflepodcast.com and join our mailing list. The Duffel Shuffle Podcast is supported by Alpenglow Expeditions, an internationally renowned mountain guide service based in Lake Tahoe, California. Visit www.alpenglowexpeditions.com or follow @alpenglowexpeditions on Instagram to learn more.

Episode 3 of the Seven Summits Series takes us to the tallest point in Europe, Mount Elbrus. With first ascents on each of the two summits, both occurring in the 1800s, Elbrus' history is both lengthy and, at times, entertaining. 

Adrian and Sam dive into the details of a Mount Elbrus expedition, which includes so much more than just climbing. While Elbrus is well positioned for a strike mission type attempt due to its relatively low altitude (as far as high altitude goes) and significant on-mountain infrastructure, climbing Elbrus should most certainly include time exploring Russia. 

- Visiting both St. Petersburg and Moscow during your trip adds time, but they are crucial parts of the experience, and one city can be visited before and the other after you climb. 

- Elbrus is unique in the Seven Summits world in that it has significant infrastructure, including lift systems that are part of a ski area and snow cats that can take climbers as far as ~90% of the way to the top. Find the style of climb that suits you and gets you excited!

- Like most of the Seven Summits, Elbrus can experience challenging weather, and while the route is often considered "straightforward" because Snowcats create a road,  hazards such as crevasses should not be underestimated. 

Follow our podcast on Instagram @duffelshufflepodcast where you can learn more about us and our guests. Visit our website at www.duffelshufflepodcast.com and join our mailing list. The Duffel Shuffle Podcast is supported by Alpenglow Expeditions, an internationally renowned mountain guide service based in Lake Tahoe, California. Visit www.alpenglowexpeditions.com or follow @alpenglowexpeditions on Instagram to learn more.

Our second episode in the Seven Summits Series centers on Denali. An Athabaskan word meaning "the high one," Denali is the tallest peak in North America, sitting at 20,310'. Measured from its base to its summit, Denali has a larger vertical rise than Everest, making it the tallest land-based mountain on Earth by that measurement.

Sam and Adrian dive into some of the unique characteristics of Denali. Despite being only climbed once between the two of them (Adrian in the early 2000s), countless colleagues have shared insight after insight on Denali. 

- Adrian shares a bit about his early 2000s trip to Denali, with original intentions to climb the West Rib.

- Most climbers ascend the West Buttress route, but the mountain holds countless other amazing routes, many of which are more technical, as well as world-class ski and snowboard descents. 

- With restrictive guiding limitations set by the National Park, Denali climbs have followed a traditional style, but much opportunity exists for different styles, like fast and light missions using pre-acclimatization. 

Follow our podcast on Instagram @duffelshufflepodcast where you can learn more about us and our guests. Visit our website at www.duffelshufflepodcast.com and join our mailing list. The Duffel Shuffle Podcast is supported by Alpenglow Expeditions, an internationally renowned mountain guide service based in Lake Tahoe, California. Visit www.alpenglowexpeditions.com or follow @alpenglowexpeditions on Instagram to learn more.

The Duffel Shuffle podcast is kicking off a 7-episode series, covering all things Seven Summits. Popularized and first completed by Dick Bass, the 7 Summits List comprises the tallest mountain on each of the 7 continents of the world. These include, in order of height, Everest (Asia), Aconcagua (S. America), Denali (N. America), Kilimanjaro (Africa), Mount Elbrus (Europe), and Australia/Oceania (Mount Kosciuszko/Puncak Jaya). 

Adrian and Sam start with Aconcagua, the tallest mountain outside of the Himalaya, and the tallest peak in South America. Aconcagua, which was first climbed in 1897, sees approximately 3,000-4,000 attempts annually, with a success rate of roughly 30-40%. Considering the altitude, challenging weather, and incredibly short climbing season, Aconcagua is no walk in the park!

- Nearing 23,000' or 7,000m in elevation, Aconcagua is an excellent place for climbers to test themselves at an altitude that isn't found anywhere else, outside of the Himalaya. 

- While the technical challenge on Aconcagua is quite low, each season brings many accidents and near misses due to unprepared climbers and challenging weather and wind. 

- Equipment choices on Aconcagua can be the difference between success and failure, and many cold-weather items are really only needed on the summit. 

Follow our podcast on Instagram @duffelshufflepodcast where you can learn more about us and our guests. Visit our website at www.duffelshufflepodcast.com and join our mailing list. The Duffel Shuffle Podcast is supported by Alpenglow Expeditions, an internationally renowned mountain guide service based in Lake Tahoe, California. Visit www.alpenglowexpeditions.com or follow @alpenglowexpeditions on Instagram to learn more.